Helen L. Hoke

Helen Louella Hoke, 67, of Riverside, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025. Born on April 24, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio, Helen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will forever be cherished by those who knew her.

Helen graduated from Stebbins High School in 1975, where her passion for accounting began to take shape. On June 11, 1975, she married her childhood sweetheart, Steve Hoke, and together they built a life filled with love and dedication to their family. From 1975 to 1985, Helen and Steve lived in North Carolina, where they welcomed their three children. In 1985, the family returned to Dayton, settling into Helen’s parents’ original home, where she created a warm and welcoming environment for all.

A woman of deep compassion and unwavering faith, Helen was a dedicated volunteer CASA worker, advocating for children in the Montgomery County court system. She poured her heart into ensuring the well-being of every child she represented. Helen was also an active member of Community Methodist Church Riverside, where she served with love and tenacity. She worked tirelessly with Whiz Kids and Celebrate Recovery, supporting children and adults facing challenges, and never giving up on anyone. Her faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life, and it shone brightly in her kindness and perseverance.

Helen had a wide range of interests and talents. She adored her pets and found joy in collecting and tumbling rocks, creating jewelry, making soap, and gardening. She had a green thumb for growing and drying herbs, and she loved canning her harvests. Helen was also an avid genealogist, uncovering decades upon decades of the Smith family lineage. She generously shared her expertise, helping countless strangers break through their own genealogy walls without ever expecting anything in return. Helen’s love for travel took her on many adventures, including cruises, camping trips, and visits to numerous states, often accompanied by her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed crocheting, ceramics, and sharing her creativity with those around her.

Helen’s love extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a pillar of strength and wisdom, raising not only her own children but also her sister, grandchildren, a niece, and a nephew. Her wisdom and guidance were sought by many, and her sense of humor brought joy to those around her—though she could barely tolerate her husband Steve’s dad jokes. Helen was beautiful inside and out, and her legacy of love and care will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Helen was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Malon Smith and Louella (Sparks) Smith; her maternal grandparents, Frank Hawkins and Helen (Ward) Hawkins; her mother, Maudie C. (Hawkins) Smith; her father, Millard F. Smith; and her nephew, David Baum.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Steve Hoke; her daughter, Charity Hoke; her sons, Micah and Israel Hoke; her grandsons, Greg, Austin, and Alec McPeek, Luke and Zech Hoke, Cameron Hoke, and Owen Hoke; her granddaughter, Echo Hoke; her great-granddaughters, Audrey Casey and Riverlynn Hoke; and her great-grandson, Julian McPeek; Also, surviving is Helen's brother, Mike Smith, Mike's stepson, Joel Clark, Helen's sister, Robbin Parrott, her son, James Michael Parrott and his son, Daniel Parrott and her daughter, Jessica Hutson and Jessica's son, Weston Hutson, great nephew to Helen.

A celebration of Helen’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Community Methodist Church Riverside, 339 Meyer Avenue, Dayton, Ohio. A time of fellowship and lunch will follow the service. A future burial will take place at the New Smith Cemetery in LaFollette, Campbell County, Tennessee, on the old Smith family farm—a place deeply connected to Helen’s heritage.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Community Methodist Church Riverside, 339 Meyer Avenue, Dayton, Ohio, 45431.

To share a memory of Helen or to leave a special message for her family, please sign the online guestbook provided.

Helen’s life was a testament to love, faith, and service. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched.